Yad Sarah launches an innovative lending system developed by MalamTeam

25 Nov 2009

Yad Sarah will soon launch its new lending system, developed by MalamTeam.The new system was first assimilated into its branches at the Mount Scopus hospital in Jerusalem and the Tel Hashomer hospital and its main branch in Tel Aviv.Later on, the organization's computer system will be integrated into more than 70 branches nation-wide.At the end of the process, the system will serve over 3,000 volunteers, via 350 terminal stations.The system is intended to improve the quality of service and to make the organization more efficient and cost effective.

Yad Sarah volunteers provide a range of home care services which enable ill or disabled persons, young or elderly, to continue living at home, with family and among the community. Lending rehabilitative and medical equipment is Yad Sarah's core service, and it operates more than 100 branches throughout the country.The branches stock dozens of types of aids and equipment which is lent to anyone in need of such equipment, for a period of up to three months, in return for a nominal deposit.The lent equipment prevents or reduces the need for institutionalization and in so doing the service contributes to maintaining the quality of life of the persons in need and to significant financial savings.In the past year, Yad Sarah volunteers lent out 253,000 medical devices. .

The new lending system was developed on sophisticated Microsoft environment technology and much effort was devoted to applying a user interface (UI) engineering concept which was also adapted for users lacking computer orientation and thus assisting the Yad Sarah volunteers, many of whom are elderly, with a simple to operate system.

The new system provided by MalamTeam serves the organization's objectives as easy-to-use infrastructure for managing its equipment lending system and for improving budgetary control, efficiency and cost effectiveness, which will be directed to upgrading the services provided for the public in need of them.Moshe Lederman, manager of Yad Sarah's lending division notes some of the advantages of the new system: "We will be able to know, at any given time, what equipment is available at any branch.So that if someone goes to one of the branches and requests a device which is not available there, the volunteer can find a nearby branch where the device is available and book it.We would also be able to recall all prior requests and offer many more assistance options.The new software also allows us at the head office to produce reports and data that we can use as control and measuring tools for improving management of the stocks of medical equipment and for wiser purchase planning according to the needs of the branches".

Shai Basson, Senior VP Systems Development at MalamTeam: "Yad Sarah is an extraordinary organization run by wonderful people who raised mutual assistance and kindness as their banner by lending medical equipment and providing medical rehabilitative services for anyone in need of it.The significant technological challenge that we recognized at the outset was simplifying the system's operating concept which is based on a system of volunteers at various branches.For this purpose, great effort was made by the project team, assisted by UI engineering experts, and no doubt the outcome is impressive".

Shlomo Loberbaum, CEO of Yad Sarah: "The new system constitutes a significant step towards improving customer service.Working with the MalamTeam staff we felt that they gave their heart and soul to the Yad Sarah project and that this was not just any other project for them.Nonetheless, it is important to bear in mind that the new content is only a significant tool for improving the heart-warming service and that the personal attention shown by the volunteers to anyone in need is the most important thing".